Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Centennial, CO to Aurora, CO

Driving from Centennial, CO to Aurora, CO is a scenic drive that offers beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the city of Denver. The distance between the two cities is approximately 20 miles, and depending on traffic, the drive can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Along the way, there are several unexpected places to stop that are worth visiting. In this article, we will explore five of these places.

Halfway Point: Denver, CO (Bold)

Denver, CO is the halfway point between Centennial and Aurora. It is a beautiful city that offers a diverse range of activities for visitors. From museums to parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. One place that is worth checking out in Denver is the Denver Botanic Gardens. It is a 24-acre public park that features 50 gardens, including a Japanese garden, a water garden, and a rock alpine garden. The gardens are home to more than 3,000 species of plants, and visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the different plants and flowers. If you're looking for a bite to eat, try the tacos at Machete Tequila + Tacos. They offer a variety of tacos, including vegetarian and vegan options.

1. Red Rocks Amphitheater (Bold)

Red Rocks Amphitheater is a natural amphitheater located in Morrison, CO, approximately 16 miles from Centennial. It is known for its acoustics and has been a popular concert venue for over a century. The venue is surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can take a guided tour of the amphitheater to learn more about its history and construction. If you're feeling adventurous, try hiking one of the many trails in the surrounding area. After a long day of hiking, stop by the Blue Cow Kitchen and Bar in Morrison for a burger and a milkshake.

2. Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave (Bold)

The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave is located on Lookout Mountain, approximately 15 miles from Centennial. It is a museum that is dedicated to the life and legacy of Buffalo Bill, a famous showman and buffalo hunter. The museum features exhibits on Buffalo Bill's life as well as artifacts from the wild west era. Visitors can also visit Buffalo Bill's grave, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. After visiting the museum, stop by the Red Rocks Beer Garden in Golden for a cold beer and a pizza.

3. Chatfield State Park (Bold)

Chatfield State Park is a beautiful state park located in Littleton, CO, approximately 10 miles from Centennial. It offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, fishing, and boating. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore the reservoir. The park also has several picnic areas, making it the perfect spot for a family outing. After a day of activities, stop by the Blackbird Public House in Denver for some pub food and a craft beer.

4. Cherry Creek State Park (Bold)

Cherry Creek State Park is another beautiful state park located in Aurora, CO. It is approximately 6 miles from Centennial and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The park also has a large reservoir where visitors can swim and boat. There are several picnic areas throughout the park, making it the perfect spot for a family outing. After a day of activities, stop by the Dry Dock Brewing Company in Aurora for a cold beer and some pub food.

5. Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum (Bold)

The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is located in Aurora, CO, approximately 7 miles from Centennial. It is a museum that is dedicated to the history of aviation and space travel. The museum features exhibits on a variety of topics, including World War II aircraft, commercial aviation, and space exploration. Visitors can also view artifacts from the Apollo space missions. After visiting the museum, stop by the Helga's German Restaurant and Deli in Aurora for some traditional German food.

Conclusion

Driving from Centennial, CO to Aurora, CO is a scenic drive that offers beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the city of Denver. Along the way, there are several unexpected places to stop that are worth visiting. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just looking for a good meal, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you're in the area, take some time to explore these hidden gems.